FELIN – HEROES & VILLIANS – AN INTERVIEW
Swedish pop artist Felin just released her poignant new album entitled Heroes & Villains on October 29th. The record features 13 tracks that tackle numerous social justice issues including women’s rights, gun violence and social injustice around the world. Even though the subject matter is important, Felin still is able to create impressively adventurous pop music. Her voice carries a strong passionate lilt and a brazen vibrant quality. Her songwriting is superb with sublime arrangements and extremely melodic choruses.
Heroes & Villains is a remarkable treatise on the world today. Felin uses her platform to spotlight the inequalities society faces in order to awaken the human soul and foster enlightenment. She uses her edgy sound as a springboard to raise the listener’s consciousness. Listen to “Dear Boys”. The song has a dynamic funky tempo but Felin uses the groove laden tune to focus on the stereotypes men must adhere to in today’s culture. Any deviation from the norm is frown upon. She wants everyone to celebrate in their uniqueness.
Another brave song is the first single released, “Heroes & Villains”. Felin‘s brassy voice is underscored by an insolent guitar riff and hypnotic percussions. Here she deals with gun control and the good and bad that abides in us all. “Funeral” targets the idea of one’s mortality. The rock infused composition is spirited with a punchy ambiance. “Vulture” takes on abusive relationships. Felin uses an intensely resonant cadence to highlight this relevant social issue. Her voice is emotive and full of stirring sensibilities. Her application of melancholy synths simply enhances the somber tone. Throughout Heroes & Villains, Felin handles these critical issues with grace and masterful music.
Felin was kind enough to answer a few questions for the AMP readers.
AMP: When did you realize you wanted to become a recording artist?
FELIN: I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember, and as a child I was always somewhat of a thinker. I enjoyed being by myself writing poems. When I was 8 years old I started playing piano and soon after that I wrote my first song. At 11 I started my first band with 3 girls from my school, and after that I spent basically all of my time making music, when I wasn’t at school. So I guess I’ve had this dream all of my life and it’s taken different forms, but music has always been my heart and soul. I really enjoy writing and producing for others, but I feel like it’s on stage I feel most at home.
AMP: How would you describe your music?
FELIN: It is raw, edgy pop with distorted guitars and lyrics with strong statements.
AMP: Who are your top 5 musical influences?
FELIN: My first influence was Blondie, and they still are a big inspiration. They’re just iconic. Other inspirations include The Kills, Banks, The Sounds and Black Honey to name a few.
AMP: Your songs and videos emit strong social issues. Is that a major facet of your songwriting?
FELIN: I’ve always been a strong advocate for women’s rights, even the first songs I ever wrote around the age of 8-9 were about that. One of the first songs I released with my band was called “Miss Perfect” and was critical of the beauty standards women face. Another song I wrote at a young age was called ”The Climate Song” So it’s no wonder these kind of themes are present on the album or that I actually during the pandemic have started studying political science.
AMP: If you could change anything in the world, what would it be?
FELIN: I would wish for equality.
AMP: How did lockdown affect your musical quest?
FELIN: The title track “Heroes & Villains” was actually done already before the pandemic. At first when the pandemic hit I didn’t go to the studio at all, but I still wrote at home during lockdown. The song ” 19″ which is on the album is a lockdown produced track. After a while I was able to get back into the studio. Most of the songs are written with my writing partner John Strömberg, with whom I share a studio, but we’ve also collaborated with a producer in Berlin, sending tracks back and forth, since we haven’t been able to travel.
AMP: How excited are you about the release of your new album, Heroes & Villains?
FELIN: I’m extremely excited. I released my previous album just before the pandemic hit so unfortunately I was never able to tour that album. Fingers crossed that we’re actually seeing the end of the pandemic now and I’ll be able to go out and play the new album live. It’s been a hell of a roller-coaster making this album, so many ups and downs and postponing it so many times due to the pandemic so it feels great to finally share it with the world. The past couple of years has been mentally challenging. I’ve spent all my life doing music and the uncertainty of not knowing if the one thing you’ve spent your whole life doing is ever gonna be the same again. Would live shows come back, what kind of world would we be facing after the pandemic? So yes you can say I’m very excited to be releasing the album and start playing shows again.
AMP: If you could tour with any artist, past or present, who would it be?
FELIN: Oh there are so many I’d love to tour with, but I have to say Blondie.
AMP: What’s next for Felin?
FELIN: The album is out on the 29th of October and I’m throwing a releaseparty in Stockholm in the beginning of November. After that I’m hoping to get out and play live as much as possible.
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To learn more about FELIN, check out her website
Follow on Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / YouTube
Stream music: Spotify / Apple Music / Soundcloud
Purchase: Bandcamp
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